In bilingual lexical decision tasks, bilingual speakers sometimes show slower responses to cognates (words similar across languages) than matched single-language words. This typically reflects:
ABilinguals have weaker vocabulary in both languages
BCross-language activation and competition: both language systems activate simultaneously, causing interference
CCognates are harder words
DThe task is unfair to bilinguals
Cognate interference effects show that both languages activate automatically during processing. When a bilingual sees a cognate, both language systems activate, creating momentary competition. This isn't weakness; it's evidence that bilinguals' languages are active and competing during processing.
Question 2 Multiple Choice
Code-switching (alternating languages within an utterance, like 'I went to la biblioteca yesterday') occurs because:
AThe speaker is confused or has deficient grammar
BIt's a sign of language incompetence
CFor pragmatic purposes (identity, solidarity), convenience (certain concepts are more accessible in one language), or because switching is constrained by grammar in specific ways
DCode-switching is ungrammatical and should be discouraged
Code-switching is a skilled, systematic behavior, not confusion. Bilinguals code-switch for communicative effect, identity expression, and pragmatic purposes. Structural constraints on code-switching (e.g., switches often occur between constituents) suggest it's grammatically organized. Skilled bilinguals who code-switch fluently demonstrate multilingual competence.
Question 3 True / False
Language dominance in bilingual speakers typically determines which language activates first during word recognition, affecting response times and accuracy.
TTrue
FFalse
Answer: True
Language dominance (the language a bilingual is more proficient in, uses more frequently, or learned first) typically dominates during processing. Dominant language words are recognized faster, have stronger activation, and can interfere with non-dominant language processing. However, context and language-specific factors modulate this pattern.
Question 4 True / False
Bilinguals who experience attrition (loss of proficiency in one language due to disuse) cannot recover that language if they relearn it after many years.
TTrue
FFalse
Answer: False
Attrition is often reversible. When a bilingual is reimmersed in an attrited language, proficiency often recovers quickly — faster than initial learning. This suggests that attrition involves access loss more than knowledge loss. The underlying representations are preserved even if temporarily inaccessible.
Question 5 Short Answer
Explain how cognitive control mechanisms allow bilinguals to suppress non-target language interference while maintaining both languages as active systems.
Think about your answer, then reveal below.
Model answer: Bilinguals use executive control (especially inhibitory control, the ability to suppress interfering information). When focusing on one language, they inhibit the non-target language system. This requires continuous monitoring and control. Neural regions supporting inhibitory control (prefrontal cortex) show greater activation in bilinguals, suggesting multilingualism strengthens cognitive control. However, inhibition isn't complete; some non-target language activation occurs automatically.
The paradox of multilingual processing is that languages are simultaneously active (showing cross-language interference) and selectively controlled (allowing focused communication in one language). This requires sophisticated cognitive control, not absolute suppression. This dynamic is why multilingual processing is cognitively interesting and why multilinguals show some cognitive advantages (better executive function).